PHOTOS: Morgan Wallen at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

Morgan Wallen at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
Saturday, February 17, 2020

Article and Photography by Michael Mullenix

The week of Rodeo kicked off properly on Monday with the mainstage elevation of one of Country’s newest sensations, Morgan Wallen. After the house lights went down, it was time for the young star to shine with the opening hit, Whatcha Know Bout That. Morgan Wallen sounded sublime, and his vocal range, as well as his songwriting chops, were on full display from his performance on the rotating stage. All of this should come as no surprise as Wallen was a former contestant on NBC’s The Voice back in 2014. But while his set was loaded with boot-stomping hits like Up Down and The Way I Talk, if there is one weak point of Wallen’s performance it is his showmanship polish. Hard to describe, but his set lacked a level of visceral flare and clear direction that would have elevated his delivery. Part of this can be attributed to his first time headlining the center stage of the rodeo, and given more time in the limelight he may gain the same polish that makes icons out of Jake Owen or his one-time collaborators, Florida Georgia Line. But regardless, his vocal talents were unquestionable as he closed the evening out with his number 1 hit, Whiskey Glasses.

PHOTO GALLERY

About the Photographer

Michael Mullenix

Growing up around the world, Michael developed a taste and appreciation for all styles of music. While studying film making at Boston University, he dove headfirst into a mosh-pit and never came out. It was in Boston that he combined his love of film and photography with his drive and passion for being a chronicler of the underground music scene. After graduation he headed to Los Angeles and for over a decade has worked with some of the top musicians and actors in the entertainment industry. Lured to Austin by the cultural explosion in the music and film scenes taking place there, he relocated two years ago and describes Austin as a cultural Shang Ri La!